The Eternal Way-Chapter 94: Conflict

In any case, Shen Shuibei knew the importance of their mission and didn't cry or refuse to leave.

However, this time, the rabbit was particularly angry for a long time.

Li Qi couldn't do much about it. He had apologized, but how could he have anticipated this?

Would a normal person think of such things when seeing a fluffy rabbit?

But Shen Shuibei wasn't human.

Ah, she usually acted so normally that he forgot about the species difference.

Anyway, Li Qi talked with the innkeeper, asking him to take care of Lao Ma and using the prepaid room fees as board for Lao Ma. The innkeeper naturally agreed.

After arranging for Lao Ma, he set off with the still sulking Shen Shuibei.

However, being a rabbit, although she was still angry, once they reached the caravan and encountered many people greeting them, her shy nature kicked in. She quickly hid behind Li Qi, tightly holding onto his clothes, using his body as a shield. Her anger dissipated instantly.

Shen Shuibei always gave Li Qi the impression of being very gentle; her anger never lasted long.

Although this time it really was Li Qi's fault...

It truly couldn't be blamed on him...

Who would have thought petting a rabbit could lead to harassment?

Forget it, remember it for the future.

With Shen Shuibei and some luggage, Li Qi joined the caravan.

After settling Shen Shuibei, Li Qi immediately went to visit the leader of the caravan, the merchant who invited him earlier: "We were in a hurry before, and I forgot to introduce myself. I am Li Qi, may I ask your name?"

"I am Jing Biwen, a manager of the Jing Family Trading House. Just call me by my name," Jing Biwen said.

"How can I? You are an elder, I cannot address you by your name directly. I will call you Manager Jing from now on," Li Qi replied.

After some more pleasantries, Li Qi eagerly moved to the main topic.

"Manager Jing, do you know where the other Ninth Rank martial practitioner is? We need to work together for the next few days, so I'd like to pay him a visit. Can you guide me?" Li Qi asked politely.

"So you want to meet him. However, he isn't hired externally but is a member of our Jing Family Martial Hall. But if we are to fight side by side, it's good to get acquainted beforehand," Manager Jing nodded and explained.

Then, he introduced the person: "He is also a Ninth Rank martial practitioner, an executive of our family's Martial Hall, different from us branch members..."

Manager Jing continued to explain while Li Qi listened attentively.

This trading house belonged to the Jing family.

When talking about his family, Manager Jing was quite proud. The family had a Seventh Rank ancestor overseeing, multiple Eighth Rank elders, and dozens of Ninth Rank executives. The family was well-organized with different cultivation techniques for various roles, forming a significant force in Song Kingdom. They were a prominent family with a hereditary baron title, known as 'Baron Jingnan'.

Li Qi was amazed; apart from the elusive Wushen Mountain and Tang Kingdom, this was the first major power he had dealt with.

Indeed, it was a powerful force, with its business reaching White Snake State of Great Deer Kingdom.

However, even strong dragons couldn't suppress local snakes. Offending the county magistrate of Snake Tail County meant they needed to move quickly.

After introducing the family background, Manager Jing began describing the 'Martial Hall Executive'.

The Martial Hall, as the name suggested, handled martial affairs within the Jing family, practicing martial arts techniques. This executive was named Jing Yan, a woman whose mother died early and father was strict, making her isolated and having no interests other than martial arts.

Therefore, Manager Jing suggested that if Li Qi wanted to build a relationship for better cooperation, he should challenge her under the guise of sparring and not bring gifts, which might result in being turned away.

Li Qi listened carefully and promised to do his best at work before leaving.

Manager Jing bowed and saw him off.

Li Qi returned the bow and headed towards the location Manager Jing mentioned.

However, halfway there, he heard Shen Shuibei's voice.

"What do you want!?" Shen Shuibei's panicked voice came from nearby.

Li Qi immediately abandoned all previous plans, swiftly unwrapped the coarse cloth from his saber, and took a step forward, his inner energy surging! In two blinks, like a tiger leaping or a falcon swooping, he crossed the crowd and vaulted over a wall, covering several dozen meters in an instant, arriving at Shen Shuibei's location.

Though his reaction was swift, the opponent had already sensed his approach.

Clang!

The sound of metal clashing echoed as a long sword blocked Li Qi's saber, sparks flying from the point of impact.

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Li Qi felt a clever force through his saber, nearly losing his grip.

His heart tightened, realizing he was facing a formidable opponent.

This was a sudden encounter, giving Li Qi no time to strategize; he had to confront the enemy head-on.

But Li Qi knew he wasn't skilled in direct confrontation. He wasn't a true martial artist; his Ninth Rank status was purely due to Shen Shuibei's help. Despite diligent practice for over a month, his techniques were far inferior to those who had trained since childhood.

However, because Li Qi wasn't a true martial artist, he had other means.

As the opponent's clever force almost made him lose his grip, Li Qi gritted his teeth and activated the weapon's aura!

A cold light flashed on his saber, white qi resembling a flock of birds, dust-like and smoky, enveloping the blade. Li Qi felt his previously numbed wrist regain strength!

Though not doubled, it was enough to stabilize him.

This was still the first clash, happening faster than a blink, but Li Qi had already formulated a strategy. After activating the weapon's aura, he gripped the saber with both hands and executed a powerful downward slash.

Carp Flow Intent burst forth, Carp Leaping Through the Dragon Gate, doubling his strength momentarily!

The sharp edge of the saber, combined with the sudden force, allowed Li Qi to break the opponent's sword into two pieces!

Clang! The long sword fell to the ground.

Li Qi then hugged Shen Shuibei, shielding her behind him, and finally looked around.

Given Shen Shuibei's personality, she wouldn't provoke trouble or say such things without reason.

So even if this deal was lost, he wouldn't let the rabbit suffer. Thus, abandoning his polite demeanor, he acted decisively.

Many people in the caravan stared in shock at Li Qi.

Good heavens, a hundred-refined steel sword, cut in half with one slash?!